Summer Round Up ft. Chili Cookoff

Chili Passports and Food Tickets 

• Chili Passports will cost $5 and can be used to sample up to 6 different chilis! Pick up your Chili Passport and Food Tickets at one of our two ticket booths located at either end of the event zone! 
• Food tickets can be used to grab some tasty BBQ from our BBQ Booth, hosted by The Elks Club in support of KidSport Okotoks! 
• Hydration Stations will be available at the waste stations located throughout the event zone
• Event attendees will vote for "People’s Choice Best Chili." The judging panel will select the winner for "Judges' Choice."

Pricing

• Chili Passports - $5 (available in two locations in the event zone)
• Chili Sausage from Paolini's Concession - $5
• Burgers - $5
• Hot Dog and Chips - $5
• Corn on the Cob - $1
• Chips - $1
• Pop - $1

Important Information

• Please note, the Food Zone will be open from 12 to 3 p.m. to give our chili cookers time to get their food cooked to Alberta Health Services-approved temperatures. While you wait, browse our unique local shops and Artisan Market, play games and check out local talent on the mainstage. 
• Food stands and artisan market will NOT have tickets for sale for the event food. 
• As a popular, community-led event, samples are likely to sell out, so join us early to ensure you have a chance to try all the chili samples. 
• No refunds on passports.

Main Stage/Event Zone:

• 2026 Info Coming Soon!

The Cobzilla Challenge is back! Prizes for two categories; 13 and under, and 14 and older. Contestants will battle onstage, with the fastest to eat three cobs of corn taking the prize in each category. Unleash your inner CORNivore and sign up at the main stage by the Elks Hall!

Sign up during the event at the Main Stage!

The Market Zone is brought to you by Okotoks MarketSquare and features over 50 local and regional Artisan Market Vendors. The market will run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the east end of the event by the Municipal Centre. Visit the market and our unique local shops as you tour through the festival.

Accessible Parking is available in the rear parking lot of Summit West school; 1 McRae Street. Access to this parking lot is from Daggett Street, east of Veterans Way.

Public Parking is available at the following locations:

• Library Parking lot on Riverside Drive West
• Recreation Centre Parking Lot, located at 99 Okotoks Drive, then a short walk to downtown.
• Sheep River Park, located at 99 Woodhaven Drive (Lions Campground) OR Viking Rentals Centre, located at 200 Community Way, with a short walk through the River Valley pathways and over the Laurie Boyd bridge to downtown. 

Please note that this event will require road closures of Elizabeth Street from Northridge Drive to Veterans Way from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Tired of driving around trying to find parking before a major community event? You can ride your bike right down to the event zone and park it at the bike valet free of charge. Your bike will be safely monitored by volunteers while you enjoy the event and you can pick it up when you're finished.

Location: The Bike Valet will be located by Balance Dance Studio
Hours: Available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Any bikes left at the valet after 4:00 p.m. will be left unattended, and can be picked up by their owners at anytime.

At events throughout the summer, the Town's Conservation Educators setup Waste Stations throughout the event zone to help sort the waste produced throughout the day. This assures we can divert as much waste as possible away from the landfill! 

This annual festival is a crowd favourite and it wouldn't be possible without the chili cookers and grillers of the community bringing everything to life. Take part in the Chili Cook-off and register below!

Register!

Notes for Participants

• Sobeys Okotoks is providing 10% off purchases for Chili/BBQ cookers
• Contestants will provide a minimum of 300 servings (2 oz) of chilli. (made from meat, vegetable or other substitute) We recommend a 100-quart stock pot
• Ground beef (up to 25 lbs) provided by Cargill. Contestants are also welcome to provide their own. Please indicate on the registration form if your team will require donated beef or will be supplying your own. Meat pick-up times and dates will be provided at least one week prior to the event.
• Vegetarian options are permitted.

All food and cooking equipment will be supplied on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Event attendees will vote for "People’s Choice Best Chili." The judging panel will select the winner for "Judges Choice."

Interested participants can purchase a 10x10 spot within select events in the downtown core throughout the year. These 10x10 spots are available to all Okotoks and local area businesses and organizations. If you have an idea for a game, activity or contest that will amp up the fun meter, let us know so we can help plan the best location for you to set up. Space is limited for event zone locations so registration is on a first-come first-served basis.

This opportunity offers you:

• Affordable Exposure: Get your brand/group in front of thousands of festival attendees at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising.
• Community Engagement: Connect directly with potential customers through interactive activities and showcase your business or group in a lively, engaging environment.
• Support Local Events: Your participation helps enhance community events, ensuring they remain vibrant and enjoyable for all.
• Maximize Your Impact: Make a memorable impression on attendees, driving interest and potential business your way.

When you engage, you help increase the excitement of the event!

Register!

Thank you to our amazing sponsors for the 2026 Summer Round Up ft. Chili Fest!

Image